A new dawn will herald for SA boxing after streaming giants Viva Nations TV entered into a ground-breaking deal with four promoters to stream their boxing tournaments from the end of July.
While the details of the partnership are sketchy, the Dispatch can confirm that Viva Nations TV, owned by Arena Holdings, held a lengthy meeting with promoters on Monday to iron out sticking points which emanated from the previous workshop where they were contracted.
“Yes, we had a successful meeting on Monday and I am happy with the progress,” Arena Holdings group content officer Bongani Siqoko said.
“We will engage our staff before making a public announcement on what this partnership entails.”
Two of the promoters are from East London while the other two hail from KwaZulu-Natal.
One of the promoters, KayB Promotions, confirmed it had entered into a deal with the rapidly growing streaming company.
KayB was used by Viva Nations TV to launch its boxing involvement in March featuring the SA featherweight title clash between Zolisa Batyi of Nxarhuni and Johannesburg’s Lucky Hobyane.
“When we started in March, we were both testing the waters and duly encountered unforeseen challenges which we will be looking to avoid this time around,” Kay B Promotions boss Mzi Booi said.
Booi’s next tournament, organised in conjunction with Last Born Promotions, is scheduled to be held on August 25 at East London’s Orient Theatre when Batyi makes a return defending his title against Yamkela Phaliso.
Former world title challenger Azinga Fuzile will also make an appearance.
However, before that event, Viva Nations TV will begin its new deal with a partnership with BBB Promotions in a tournament postponed from this coming Sunday to August 11.
The show will see Siyakholwa Kuse defending his SA mini-flyweight belt against former stablemate Malakhi Sobolo, with former world-rated Nhlanhla Tyirha also making his long-awaited return.
Siqoko, who has been spearheading the partnership, hailed it as game changer for boxing and sports promotion.
“We discussed issues such as revenue sharing and other points often associated with boxing broadcast and I can say we are happy with how the promoters have responded.
“Sports fans can brace themselves for a revolution of boxing promotions and the modern staging of tournaments,” he said.
Booi, whose debut show in March was packed with entertainment activity including music performances and live interviews of spectators by radio personality and influencer Lusanda Mbane, promised yet other layers to go with his event.
The two KwaZulu-Natal promoters also part of the deal, whose period is yet to be revealed, are Mvelo Boxing Promotions and Siyathaba Boxing Promotions.
Siqoko said the partnership was not limited to only promoters from the two provinces but would spread to others.
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